Open AccessDynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in denervated skeletal muscle: Experimental study in rabbits
Author(s) -
Liang Qi,
Lei Xu,
Wentao Wang,
YuDong Zhang,
Rui Zhang,
Yue-Fen Zou,
Haibin Shi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0215069
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , skeletal muscle , medicine , denervation , sham surgery , in vivo , sciatic nerve , gastrocnemius muscle , dynamic contrast , anatomy , nuclear medicine , pathology , radiology , alternative medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Purpose To investigate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating denervated skeletal muscle in rabbits. Materials and methods 24 male rabbits were randomly divided into an irreversible neurotmesis group and a control group. In the experimental group, the sciatic nerves of rabbits were transected for irreversible neurotmesis model. A sham operation was performed in the control group. MRI of rabbit lower legs was performed before nerve surgery and 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery. Results Signal intensity changes were seen in the left gastrocnemius muscle on the T2-weighted images. DCE-MRI derived parameters (K trans , K ep , and V p ) were measured in vivo. In the irreversible neurotmesis group, T2-weighted images showed increased signal intensity in the left gastrocnemius muscle. K trans , V p values changes occur as early as 1 day after denervation, and increased gradually until 4 weeks after surgery. There are significant increases in both K trans and V p values compared with those in the control group after surgery ( P < 0.05). K ep values show no significant difference between the irreversible neurotmesis group and the control group. Conclusion DCE-MRI hold the promise of an early and sensitive diagnosis of denervated skeletal muscle.